The influence of Osmunda regalis root extract on head and neck cancer cell proliferation, invasion and gene expression.

Background: According to only a handful of historical sources, Osmunda regalis, the royal fern, has been used already in the middle age as an anti-cancer remedy. To examine this ancient cancer cure, an ethanolic extract of the roots was prepared and analysed in vitro on its effectiveness against head and neck cancer cell lines.

Methods: Proliferation inhibition was measured with the MTT assay.